Wolf’s Fall Read online

  

  Nightshade 1

  Wolf’s Fall

  Nic has known Mandalay was his from the moment he felt him growing in his mother’s stomach. Nic stayed away as Mandalay grew into manhood, biding his time. Now that Mandalay is twenty-five, Nic is ready to claim his mate.

  Mandalay is a healer torn between the life his parents want for him, and the man he truly is. However, he has no objections to being courted by a sexy soldier.

  Both Nic and Mandalay are eager to find love, so the objections of Mandalay’s family are mere outmoded thoughts to be overcome. However, the pack’s stance against gays and a conflict with jackals bring Nic and Mandalay closer. But the conflicts promise a sure end that will leave Nic and Mandalay facing death or life adrift from their pack. Can Mandalay walk beside Nic in love and war?

  Genres: Alternative (M/M, Gay), Contemporary, Interracial, May-December, Paranormal, Shape-shifter, Vampires/Werewolves

  Length: 52,981

  WOLF’S FALL

  Nightshade 1

  E.A. Reynolds

  

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  Wolf’s Fall

  Copyright © 2019 by E.A. Reynolds

  ISBN: 978-1-64243-928-1

  First Publication: August 2019

  Cover design by Harris Channing

  All art and logo copyright © 2019 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book or print book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  I’m a daydreamer with a love of reading and writing romance peppered with the paranormal especially extreme psychic skills.

  Ice tea-lemonade is my favorite spring and summer guilty pleasure. Books are my favorite way to spend my free time when I’m not listening to music. When I’m not writing or reading, I’m spending time with my family.

  For all titles by E.A. Reynolds, please visit

  www.bookstrand.com/ea-reynolds

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  WOLF’S FALL

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Epilogue

  WOLF’S FALL

  Nightshade 1

  E.A. REYNOLDS

  Copyright © 2019

  Prologue

  Things had not gone according to plan in Peyton City for some reason. Instead of celebrating their new territory, four of their moles in the police department had been fired. The organization wasn’t happy with him or his family, but he was where he should be, Palmer decided.

  After all, part of their plan had gone through without a hitch. They had someone in the Nightshade pride preparing it for takeover. He, on the other hand, had a job to do before he could claim Nightshade.

  The wolves had already pledged any aid necessary to Nightshade, and according to his source, the cats had formed an alliance with the wolves just hours ahead of the strike. As a result, Jody Stiles, the current alpha of the Graystone wolf pack, would be moving in to aid the pride should they request it.

  The wolves would be a big problem despite being small, and Wildhead needed those tunnels that ran beneath the city to Nightshade. They would also be useful in moving their drugs in the future.

  The movement behind him in the small living room of the home he’d contracted for his stay had him drawing in a slow breath, though he didn’t take his gaze from the night-dark view.

  “Yes?”

  “Your brother and Marvin are on the phone for you,” the man said quietly. “It’s a conference call.”

  His brother was head of the Wildhead cartel while Marvin was a high-ranking member of the Blacktooth organization. The two had joined forces to take over the drug trade in this part of the state.

  “Thank you.” He turned, took the phone, and put it on speaker as the other man exited the room.

  “How is everything so far?” his brother, Valente, asked.

  “Fine,” Palmer replied.

  “Good. There is a small black jackal pack nearby. They’re nomads for the most part, but they’ve been stationary in that area for the last eleven months. They’ve agreed to work with you.”

  “I don’t really need them,” he protested. Valente was only his half-brother by another mother. Sometimes, he couldn’t stand the way he threw his weight around as if he had all the answers.

  “I didn’t ask you, Palmer,” he said curtly. “There have been enough fuck-ups down there lately. Also, arrange a meeting with Stiles.”

  “Why? Do you want me to announce that he’s on our hit list so he can prepare?”

  “Give him the illusion we’re merely moving into the area and nothing more,” his brother ordered. “Pretend it’s a courtesy call, so he won’t be threatened. It is his territory more or less.”

  “His den is his territory,” Palmer muttered. “He doesn’t have the juice to do anything but run that.”

  “I know that, but let’s pretend he does.”

  “It’ll be a mistake,” Palmer grumbled. Jody would see through this, or his top advisor, Kimble, would. He was never without Kimble.

  “Just do the job and begin preparing for the attack,” his brother said, intruding on his thoughts. “Keep it clean, fast, and vicious. We already have moles inside who’ll be of great support to the takeover.”

  “I should meet with them instead,” Palmer protested.

  “Just do things my way, brother, and they’ll go much smoother. Are we clear?”

  “Marvin?” Palmer asked the Blacktooth member.

  “Report after the meeting, and I’ll give my opinion then,” Marvin said quietly. “I’ll also arrange for our moles inside to meet with you tomorrow. They’ll help you get a more accurate picture of the climate within that den before your meeting with Stiles.”

  “Sounds good,” Palmer said. But he wasn’t sure this was the best plan. However, he wouldn’t buck the system just yet.

  * * * *

  Nicolane Brayclaw took a bite of the apple he gripped in one hand as he listened to the small group of security team leaders his alpha had assembled. Jody’s mate was spewing small ta
lk that was getting on Nic’s nerves, but he patiently waited for the punch line.

  The door to Jody’s office opened to his left, and Jody came striding in with a grim look on his face.

  “Sorry I’m late,” he said as he stood behind his desk next to Kimble. “I just got off a call with Voss from Cactus Claw. I spoke with him a few days ago, that’s why you’re all here. I want things to be business as usual, but there will be some changes.”

  “Like what?” Reno, the cop among them, asked.

  “Like we aren’t going to allow those damned hyenas and jackals to make us run or go into hiding. They have a hit list and I’m on it, along with you, Reno. I suggest you be careful at work.”

  “Understood.”

  “Nic, you’re also on it as a former member of The Order’s security teams.”

  Nic wasn’t surprised to hear he was on a hit list. Though his team had been disbanded when The Order dissolved, his reputation as a lethal fighter had followed him home to the wolves. As a result, Jody had given him a position of command among the Graystone security teams.

  “Why would they want you dead?” Reno asked.

  “From what I’m hearing they’re going after those immediately responsible for the deaths of some prominent men and women in their organizations.”

  “Which organizations?” Mason Blasey asked.

  “Blacktooth and Valrossa.”

  “Drug cartels,” another wolf said. “So, they’re coming after us, and we’re battening down the hatches.”

  “We are,” Jody agreed. “Because the pack is small, I’ve done some reworking to put some omegas and betas in charge of groups, and they’ll need some special training.”

  “Omegas?” Mason demanded. “Jody, that’s crazy.”

  “Maybe, but if we’re attacked the dominants will be on the front lines, and the jackals and hyenas have larger forces. We might not get any help, and who do you think will be in charge of our young and protecting the old?”

  “We’ll be spread thin,” Mason said. “But we’ll get it done.”

  “Wrong. We’ll die,” Jody said. “Everyone pulls their weight, which means the omegas that can handle a command of a small group will.”

  “They’ll be in charge of keeping them safe?” Nic said, picking up Jody’s train of thought.

  “Exactly, and we’ll need to pair these groups wisely to prevent any internal power struggles. Kimble has a list that I’ve approved,” Jody told them. “Each of the dominants will be paired with one of the new leaders to teach him or her how to handle themselves.”

  “Jody, do you think that’s a wise waste of time?” Mason asked. “We should be preparing the best routes to move out the vulnerable and deciding where we’re going to put them.”

  “That’s being handled, Mason,” Kimble told him. “And you and I need to chat after the meeting. I have a special assignment for you. Anyone else have a problem with the situation?”

  “If you do, take it up with me after,” Jody said coldly. “Nic, I need a word with you about your charge.”

  “Right,” he said.

  Jody finished laying out the plan and dismissed the meeting. Kimble took Mason from the office, leaving them alone.

  “What’s wrong with the kid?” Nic asked curiously as he tossed the apple core into the trashcan.

  “Nothing’s wrong with him. I just need to know you can be objective. I know you’ve found your mate.”

  “And I’m going to make him aware of the situation soon,” he replied with a frown. “But that has nothing to do with this. He’ll deal.”

  “He might not.” Jody sighed. “Your charge will probably be reluctant to take the role of leader even though he’s already working with a small group of maybe kids giving them basic medical training.”

  “So? What could be the problem?”

  “I think he’s capable, but it’s going to be your job to help him and those boys realize they are. They’ll likely be a line of defense, and you’ll be with them.”

  “You want me to train kids to fight? That’s crazy,” Nic exclaimed.

  The pack wasn’t as organized as it should be. The boys and girls who should be able to step up weren’t ready because Jody hadn’t been hard enough on their trainers.

  “We won’t have a choice if a Blacktooth leader invades, and according to intel, that’s going to happen. They want our den and the tunnels beneath it that lead straight to the cats. They have no idea, but those tunnels lead to Nightshade, too.”

  “If they lay claim to those tunnels, Nightshade won’t stand a chance,” Nic murmured, seeing the carnage of the cat pride in his mind.

  Nightshade was only slightly bigger than them, and Xavier, Jody’s brother and the former pride leader, had been in talks with them for months but hadn’t come to an agreement about an alliance. The alliance would have been good for both of them, given them the extra protection against bigger invading packs or prides.

  Jody held out a picture to him. “Those are your charges, and we might very well have to put them in charge at one of the safehouses. Can you do it?”

  Nic looked at the picture and his heart stopped.

  Chapter One

  I have missed you, my dearest, and have been counting the days, no, the hours. I have been so alone without you and the day has finally come.

  I will see you tomorrow.

  The note was signed with fangs rather than a name or even initials.

  Mandalay Cross let the single page of blood red stationary slip from his fingers to fall onto the worn top of the wooden table and sat back in the chair at his kitchen table. Not far from the page was a box that had with the note. A gift for his twenty-fifth birthday, which wasn’t until tomorrow.

  He’d been receiving these notes since he was a child, but this was the first year a gift had come with them. Mandalay was afraid to open it.

  His mother knew about the notes, said they’d been coming since he was born. He’d been reading them since he was ten. They always just appeared next to his bed at first, and then they started coming in the mail when he turned fourteen.

  He’d dismissed them at first as some kind of prank but it was clear they were anything but. Still, they had been a source of solace and happiness to him after coming out due to the merciless teasing he’d taken because wolves weren’t gay.

  The back door opened. The chatter of his older sister drifted down the hall, and he quickly reached for the note, folding it, not wanting her to see it.

  “Hey, Manly,” Serena said as she entered the kitchen. “Whatcha doing?”

  “Waiting for you,” he said and gave her a smile as he turned his head to look at her.

  “Oh? Good. I was worried you’d be too wrapped in yourself to think about me.”

  He rolled his eyes. “How could I dare think about me at a time like this?” he teased.

  “Exactly what I was thinking,” she said with a grin, sitting her purse on the smooth top. “I need your opinion.”

  “On what?”

  “Dawson or Rushon? They both asked me to the dance tomorrow, and I’m torn. Rushon can’t dance for crap, and Dawson is all hands lately.”

  “Uh, I don’t know,” he said slowly, considering both men. Rushon was hot and he seemed to like Serena a lot.

  Dawson was just okay-looking and a bit arrogant, but what did he care? It wasn’t like either man was his type.

  “Come on,” she said, slapping her hand down on his on the note. “Should I wear that red dress I just bought?”

  He frowned. “You look good in red, but the black is classic.”

  “I want to say I’m available, not ready for the rocker,” Serena exclaimed. “You are no help. What are you wearing? And please tell me you aren’t still crushing on Jackson. He’s so not into gay boys, especially not ones with long nails and hair.”

  He rolled his eyes again and looked at the nails of his other hand. “I need a manicure,” he muttered. His nails had gotten a little too long for work, and hi
s father was constantly on his ass about it and the length of his hair, too.

  “Oh, please,” she said. “What’s this?” She tugged the note free before he could stop her. Serena read it and then looked at him. “The mystery pen pal again?”

  She knew about the letters, too, or the last six of them.

  “Yeah.”

  “Manly, you really should talk to Jody about these. He could get that new head of security to hunt this weirdo down and make him leave you alone.”

  “How do you know it’s a weirdo?” he demanded defensively.

  “It has to be. He even sent you a gift. What’s in it? Edible underpants or condoms?”

  “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Anyway, why do you care? For all I know, it could be a woman.”

  “Only a guy would be sending you secret notes. Every girl around here that likes you has already made a play for you and realized you play for the wrong team.” She shuddered. “I’m so not looking forward to this meeting.”

  “It’s my life, not yours,” he retorted. “And it could be a good surprise.” Before he came out, he used to fantasize it was the boy of his dreams who’d spotted him in the playground at school.

  Back then, he wouldn’t have dared admit he was gay any more than any other boy. Even though their alpha was gay, gay men still trod lightly around here. Few of them were out and proud.

  He was one of them, but Mandalay was very careful not to be caught among too many macho punks after dark.

  “In your dreams,” she muttered. “I’m staying over. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Would it matter if I did?” he asked, giving her a smile.

  She wrinkled her nose at him. “No. I’m taking a b—” Her words were cut off by a rap on the door. “Get that?” She skipped out of the room.

  Mandalay sighed as he pushed to his feet. He strolled to the front door, not expecting anyone but perhaps Dawson or one of the other idiots that was chasing after Serena.